In less than two years of its formal
inauguration Abu Dhabi based Warid Telecom has made history in Pakistan. Both
with its spectacular growth and development of subscribers base which has
surpassed all expectations.

The advent of Warid in Pakistan has
been preceded by a firm foothold of the Abu Dhabi Group through some of its
other ventures which all have shown remarkable results. These include the
flagship of Bank Alflah whose presence and phenomenal growth has been one of the
great success stories in Pakistan. Its other forays like acquisition of 50
percent stakes in UBL and takeover of the ABL management too have had a profound
impact in local economy. ABL has already jumped to the ratings of being the
third largest in Pakistan. So is the case of UBL, who has been on the road of
recovery and progress leaving its legacy of multiple problems behind.

In order to update my estimation of
Warid Telecom and its formidable group which all seem to be supportive of each
other I visited the Pakistan Headquarters at Lahore located in the impressive
EFU skyscraper at Jail Road, I happened to be present at Islamabad at the
inauguration of Warid, when it was launched with great fanfare. President
Musharraf had described the event as a significant landmark and chairman of
Warid along with his entire team present had turned the event into a memorable
occasion. Warid lost little time to live upto the high expectations and has
infact given its competition a much harder time than they had anticipated.

I find the atmosphere at Warid like any
modern corporate office in us-businesslike and efficient. I am met by the
secretary of corporate head of marketing and sales Naveed Saeed, who is also the
spokesman of the burgeoning corporation. I also find his approach, philosophy
and outlook as most modern and contemporary. He is fully conscious of the
valuable support extended to Warid by his powerful group notably Bank Alfalh in
this present strong position. So in his to strong belief in the great role of
human resource to make the big difference in the stiff challenge which lies
ahead.

Naveed said Warid had started off with
an impressive coverage of 28 major cities even within bare process of 8 months
planning. That was a record itself for a launch made in May last year.

Today he proudly claims Warid has
spread its tentacles to 120 major cities and towns besides highways and smaller
towns across the country. By the end of current year they are targeting 300
cities and 5000 destinations big and small. He claims the customers base of 4.5
million plus which also put them in serious contention for the second largest
network which is growing at a fantastic speed. He expects that with its superior
technology, innovative approach and customer service, Warid is destined to
become the leading company in Pakistan. Already its range, group and superior
customer service is impacting the industry. He expects the next year as the
crucial period for Warid in its relentless and determined plan to reach out for
the best and occupy the top slot.